news and happening 2009-2012 - orange park amateur radio club

WEBSITE ARCHIVE OF OLD ARTICLES 2009 – 2012

of 44

Bob Cheyne N4ENV

I much regret I have to announce that Bob Cheyne N4ENV passed away on Tuesday, December 4, 2012 in Orange Park Medical Center . Funeral arrangements are as follows: 1500-1600 on Sunday 9 Dec 2012 A viewing at Broadus Rains Funeral Home, Green Cove Springs. 1100 on Monday 10 Dec 2012 Funeral and reception following at New Grace Church on the west side of US 17 about 1 mile south of SR220. (A gray colored wooden building facing US 17) 1430 on Monday 10 Dec 2012 Burial at the Jacksonville National Cemetery. I-295 north to Lem Turner, then north on Lem Turner about 3-4 miles to a stoplight at Lanne Road, turn right on Lanne about 3 miles to the cemetary on the left just beyond a prison farm.

For an appreciation of Bob's life by David N4OOE please go to this page

Reminder re the Club Christmas Dinner

This will be held as usual on December 20th at Golden Corral, Blanding Boulevard, Orange Park @ 7 p.m. Please remember to bring a toy (unwrapped) for the Tiny Tots.

Club Shirts

We need four more people to order shirts as the minimum order is 10. Please let Ian, W3UZI (tel 284 3357) know if you are interested in ordering one.

OPARC Tailgate Party October 6th, 2012

Please view the flier (PDF) here (Click on the link) and tell your friends.

I’d like to remind all members that the 6 October 2012 OPARC Tailgate Hamfest will coincide with the monthly OPARC Golden Corral breakfast. At the 20 September meeting, a motion was made to cancel the breakfast. Instead, we hope to see all of you at the Tailgate Hamfest, where breakfast and lunch will be available.

Thursday September 20th Meeting

Due to a conflict in scheduling with Orange Park High School the September meeting will be held across from the cafeteria in Ted's classroom. This will be for the next meeting on Thursday September 20th only.

Jacksonville Free Hamfest The Jacksonville FREE Hamfest begins at 7AM on Saturday, October 20th in the big parking lot at Terry Parker Baptist Church, 7025 Merrill Rd. near Townsend Blvd. in Arlington. Load up your computer and radio equipment that you would like to sell or trade. Bring along a table and chairs. Arrive early and look for the best deals. Meet many that you hear on the air and enjoy the camaraderie. There will be free tailgate space for those selling electronic and computer items and admission is free. An auction will start at 10AM. Your items can be put up for bids with no commission charge. You can set a minimum price. Prize tickets are available for a modest donation. Winners need not be present to claim prizes. Drawing is at 11AM. For information and directions, contact the W4IZ talk-in station on the 146.700 MHz W4IZ Repeater. The hamfest continues until noon. Plan to be part of the 12th annual Jacksonville FREE Hamfest on Saturday October 20th.

"Suzie" Sue Anlage (KC4MHR) It is with deep sympathy that I have to report that Mary "Suzie" Sue Anlage (KC4MHR) passed away on August 20th, 2012. Suzie always wore a smile of encouragement supporting all those around her, and always made you feel that you were welcome. She was a long time member of Orange Park Amateur Radio Club and keen supporter, we will all miss her

http://oparc.weebly.com/appreciation-of-life-of-robert-n4env.html

http://oparc.weebly.com/oparc-tailgate-party-in-october-2012.html


of 44

dearly. A memorial service will be held this Saturday, August 25th at 11 am at Saint Catherine's Catholic Church, 1649 Kingsley Avenue , Orange Park. There will be a celebration of Suzie's life after the service at Whitey's Fish Camp at 2032 County Road 220, Orange Park immediately following the service. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Suzie's name to her favorite charity, the Navy Wives Scholarships. You can mail a check in memory of Suzie Anlage to: NWCA Scholarships , 105 Jefferson Street , Portsmouth, Virginia 23702

Starke Annual Hamfest - early notice

The Starke Hamfest this year is on November 24th at the Starke Country Club, Hwy 230E, Starke, FL. This is a new location with 20 indoor and 15 outdoor spaces plus 30 tailgate spaces. Tickets will be $5.00 and children under 12 get in free. For further information you may email Donnie KC4IUL (at) windstream (dot) net or view the website: www.starkehamfest.info.

Our Field Day in the News

Two websites for you to view: http://www.claytodayonline.com/ee/claytoday/en/component/fullstory/20120628_028_art_1/ham-radio-operators-hold-annual-field-day-exercise and the Scout Station: http://www.claytodayonline.com/ee/claytoday/en/component/fullstory/20120628_013_art_0/boy-scouts-create-amateur-radio-station

Field Day 2012

Takes place at Lakeside Junior High School, 2750 Moody Avenue, Building 737 by the Basketball Courts, Orange Park, FL 32073 Saturday – June 23, 2012 08:00 AM Breakfast at Golden Corral 10:00 AM Start Of Setup 12:00 PM Start Of Field Day Sunday – June 24, 2012 12:00 PM End Of Field Day 12:15 Break down all equipment

BFAS Triathlon

We are seeking volunteer radio operators to assist with the BFAS Triathlon in the area of Nocatee on June 9th from 0700 to around 1000. This actual race is quick and exciting, providing a great opportunity to learn the skill and test your equipment. The free BFAS T-shirts are some of the best design and quality we've encountered. Please Contact Scott Freudenthal (K2LSF) for more information. 904-246-9851 [email protected]

Good News re The Clay County "Sixers" Repeater The Clay County "Sixers" repeater on 53.190/52.190 is now up and running after being off the air for some time. Congratulations to all concerned! Jake K5WTA says this is an open repeater, anyone properly licensed is welcome to use it.

OPARC Has Left the Building

Orange Park Amateur Radio Club will now be meeting at Orange Park High School. Thanks to help from Ted Jahn, K4YLX, we have officially moved our meeting place. Orange Park High School is just a few blocks north of the Orange Park Hospital on Kingsley Dr. Because many opportunities await us, we will need everyone’s help to successfully

http://www.starkehamfest.info/

http://www.claytodayonline.com/ee/claytoday/en/component/fullstory/20120628_028_art_1/ham-radio-operators-hold-annual-field-day-exercise

http://www.claytodayonline.com/ee/claytoday/en/component/fullstory/20120628_028_art_1/ham-radio-operators-hold-annual-field-day-exercise

http://www.claytodayonline.com/ee/claytoday/en/component/fullstory/20120628_013_art_0/boy-scouts-create-amateur-radio-station

http://www.claytodayonline.com/ee/claytoday/en/component/fullstory/20120628_013_art_0/boy-scouts-create-amateur-radio-station

tel:904-246-9851

mailto:[email protected]


of 44

accomplish some exciting goals for this year. A room has been provided which can be used as a shack. This room is where radios can be secured ready for demonstrations to teach and encourage new members how to set up their own stations at home with confidence and to show prospective hams how a ham radio station works. There is also the possibility of installing two towers on each side of the building which will give us a place to have antennas and stretch a wire to the shack below. This move will give the club more room to grow. We will have access to computers in the library and in the computer lab. These computers can be used to help new hams get their licenses, current hams to learn new logging software, antenna building programs, and more. There is also a cafetorium for monthly meetings. This location has easily accessible buildings as well as lots of convenient parking. We will also have the opportunity to have working meetings focused on building and making repairs in the technology lab. This kind of meeting will allow us to learn from each other. We could make fox hunting transmitters or make wire or Yagi antennas. The possibilities are endless! On January 19, 2012, the club members made a list of the things they would like to see us do in the New Year. This list of ideas can become a reality (list can be seen on this site several articles below) with a concerted team effort and with a little sacrifice from everyone. Each one of us has talents we can contribute. We will need those who are willing to step up to the challenge. Take on one of these projects. Make things happen. I’m in. Are you? 73 Greg Fitcher N4RVD

Next meeting on May 17th, 2012

Please be advised that this meeting and all subsequent monthly meetings will no longer be held at the Orange Park Medical Center as in the past, but will be held in the Cafeteria of the Orange Park High School at 2300 Kingsley Ave, Orange Park,Florida 32073 which is directly across from the Medical Center.

Early Reminder for Golden Corral Breakfast May 5th at 8 a.m. After this breakfast there will be a practice check out for Field Day 2012 at Greg N4RVD's QTH near Middleburg. Mike KJ4FEQ states that we currently need ten more volunteers for help with both towers and antenna for Field Day.

Class for the Technician Class License

04/10/2012 Start/End Dates: 04/10/2012 - 05/22/2012 Times: 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM # of Sessions: 7 Class level: Technician Morse code offered: No Pre register required: Yes Fee: Nil Pre Study required: No Class Type: Traditional (Textbook available at class) Exam May 29th - 630 PM Sponsoring Club/Organization: Southern Amateur Radio Net Instructor: K4IFG Contact: Richard Miller K4IFG Phone: (904) 771-0101 Email: [email protected] Location: Jacksonville Fire/Rescue Hdqtrs, 515 N Julia Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 Additional Information: Tuesday evenings @ Emergency Preparedness Division Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department 515 N. Julia Street Jacksonville, FL 32202 PRE-Registration required - [email protected]

OPARC in the news!

Michael KJ4FEQ kindly sent kindly sent this link regarding the Club's help at the recent St. John's River Cleanup.

We are mentioned at the bottom of the article.

Notice

A Board Meeting of the Orange Park Amateur Radio Club will be held on Thursday April 12, 2012 @ 6 PM at the Burger King at Blanding and Kingsley.

tel:%28904%29%20771-0101



http://jacksonville.com/community/clay/2010-03-25/story/river-cleanup-almost-900-clay-volunteer-collect-almost-15000-pounds


of 44

Are You A Good "Hambassador?"

By Randall A. Bahr, KI4RHQ I first became licensed in 2006 after being encouraged by my father-in-law, Ed Harvey, K4YNM (sk). Like most new hams, I was eager to get on the air and make contacts. There are many different facets and objectives to this hobby of ours, but at the core of all of these is the desire to reach out there and contact someone. If possible, we try to contact someone very far away, from a completely different culture and language. We often go to great lengths to do so by means of building expensive stations and majestic antenna arrays. Excluding repeater activities and regularly scheduled HF nets, this reaching out is most often to a complete stranger that we will very likely never speak to again or meet in person. This makes for a nice entry in a log or perhaps a QSL card to add to our collection and then we are on to the next contact. In six years of being involved in Amateur Radio, attending club meetings and hamfests, I have observations of my own and other hams and I have come to the realization that there is one mode of operation in which many of us could tune up a bit and load up with more output wattage. Most all of us have been guilty of the following at some point in time. A new ham shows up to a club meeting for perhaps the first time and with the exception of a token one or two members that may reach out and briefly introduce themselves, they often are left alone. If we step into their shoes for a moment we might find that they are feeling a bit awkward in that they of course do not know anyone, and also the fact that they might not feel confident or welcome enough walking up and joining other conversations. If they are a new licensee, they may feel intimidated by the pool of seasoned amateurs that may seem unapproachable to them. There are a few very simple things we can do that require very little effort but are powerful tools to completely change this experience for the newcomer. First, and this is paramount, always wear a name tag. This is perhaps the most comforting thing you can do for a newcomer. When you think about how many new faces and names they may encounter at a meeting, it may be difficult for them to remember your name at the next meeting a month or two in the future. Wearing a name tag is a great way to make yourself more approachable at the next meeting and to quell the anxiety of a newcomer trying to remember your name. Writing their name and call sign on a stick on name tag is also a great way for you and others to learn their name and make them feel welcome and part of the group. Secondly, have a ham "business card" ready to hand to the newbie. This is a great way to not only help them with recalling your name later but is also a gesture to open the door for them to contact you with questions and ask for advice on equipment purchases, upcoming events, etc. Thirdly, you should ask for their contact information including name, call sign and phone number. This speaks volumes to a new ham in that you are genuinely interested in contacting and getting to know them. Fourth and finally, follow up by calling the newcomer a few days later to let them know that you and others were glad to have met them. Encourage them to come to the next meeting or event. A phone call a few days before the next meeting is a great way to remind a busy person of the date and time of the meeting as well as making them feel welcome to return. When they return to the next meeting take a moment to greet them and certainly introduce them to someone else that may be willing to help them if they have interests in a particular facet of the hobby that differ from your own. These are just a few common sense techniques that coupled with a few ideas of your own could help you become a world class "Hambassador."

OPARC members and ARES Please click on the link to view an article about OPARC's involvement in last week's ARES drills: http://www.1strespondernews.com/webpages/news/displaynews.aspx?ID=fcabf872-9c62-4b32-a7de-880d3f9132c0

http://www.1strespondernews.com/webpages/news/displaynews.aspx?ID=fcabf872-9c62-4b32-a7de-880d3f9132c0


of 44

Certificate of Appreciation from the Marine Corps League for 'Toys for Tots' Please click here

One question was asked at the OPARC January meeting this month. “What would you like to see your Club do this year?” Here are some of the answers given from the floor: 1. Would like to see more members in the club, especially youth (schools, Scouts, etc.) 2. More HF & DX. (long distance communications education/ opportunities) 3. Have a table at local science fairs (Clay & Duval) 4. Set up a both at the Clay or Duval County Fair , the Ham Jam or Scottish Games, with working radios and maps (expose the public to the hobby) 5. Have a club station (somewhere we can show newcomers the ropes) 6. Have a mentor program/ Elmers (be there for those who have questions) 7. Have a weekly HF net to get hams familiar with HF 8. Do fox hunts (direction/ location finding) 9. Wear our club shirts to non club events (science fairs, malls, Home Depot, etc.) to draw attention to the hobby and get people to ask questions. 10. Help with passing traffic at malls, county fairs, etc. 11. Have a brochure to pass out to the general public with information about our club. 12. Have a club emergency plan (a meeting place, a meeting frequency, generators, etc.) These were some of the ideas that were given. What are yours? Please email your answers to Greg N4RVD [email protected] or you can comment in the comment box.

January 2012 Meeting At this meeting Certificates were presented by Greg N4RVD for their past efforts for the Club. The last picture shows Henry with his amazing antenna launcher.

Pictures kindly provided by Scott KK4ECR. Click on a picture to enlarge.

http://oparc.weebly.com/appreciation-from-marine-corps-league.html


http://oparc.weebly.com/contact-form--application-to-enter-for-sale--wanted-items.html

http://www.antennalaunchers.com/antlaunching.html

http://oparc.weebly.com/uploads/1/8/0/2/1802814/3260081_orig.jpg


of 44

Keystone Heights Jr/Sr High Science Fair

This Science Fair is in need of Judges on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 Timetable: 7:30 coffee and muffin 8:00 Judging instructions, judging begins 11:30 Lunch provided by KHHS Culinary Arts





of 44

12:00 Interviews They have more projects this year than ever before because of changes in curriculum requirements. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated. If you are interested, please contact Ron Hartman, Keystone Heights Science Fair Coordinator, if you are coming so that he can arrange for the lunch. Contact him at 352-473-1490 Work, 352-359-6203 Cell or email [email protected]

Birthday Party for Chris Jacobs WB5TWK

From Jake K5WTA: This Friday the 23rd of December we will be having a birthday party at Whities Fish Camp at 5pm. This will be a no host party and please no gifts as we have enough stuff in the house. Just show up and visit with all of your friends.

Ham Radio Licenses at an All-Time High

The newest trend in American communication isn't another smartphone from Apple or Google but one of the elder statesmen of communication: Ham radio licenses are at an all time high, with over 700,000 licenses in the United States, according to the Federal Communications Commission. Ham radio first took the nation by storm nearly a hundred years ago. Last month the FCC logged 700,314 licenses, with nearly 40,000 new ones in the last five years. Compare that with 2005 when only 662,600 people hammed it up and you'll see why the American Radio Relay League -- the authority on all things ham -- is calling it a "golden age." “It takes an inquisitive mind that wants the challenge to speak with the rest of the world,” Pritchett told FoxNews.com. “I meet a lot of people as a result amateur radio. It’s a fascinating experience to meet somebody who you’ve talked to for years -- when you finally meet them and go, wow, that’s you.” Pritchett has been a ham for over 35 years. He sits in his ham shack slowly turning the dial on his amateur radio and listening attentively for a voice through the high radio frequency. With more people joining the hobby, local ham radio businesses are growing as well. Amateur Electronics Supply in Las Vegas sells everything to do with ham radios, from transceivers, amplifiers and antennas to handhelds. “We have clientele from all walks of life," manager Luke Rohn told FoxNews.com. "We have church groups who are interested in ham radio for a viable source of communication in times of natural disaster. We have young kids that find ham radio interesting. Maybe they’ve heard about it through their father and grandfather and it’s a lot of fun for them.” According to the American Radio Relay League, retirees and emergency groups are among the main reasons for the nearly 30,000 new hams that pick up the hobby each year. Ham is a boon for safety as well as a fun pastime: When normal communications methods fail and cellphone towers are jammed, ham radios will still work and can help out in disaster situations, because they don’t require towers to relay the signal. “Amateur radio came into play very much during the major earthquake in the Bay Area in 1989. The only thing I had was a little handheld radio. Nothing else worked, telephones didn’t work, cellphones didn’t work, amateur radio just kept right on working,” Pritchett said. Looking to ham it up a bit with some friends? Try a fox hunt -- the radio equivalent of ham-to-ham combat. In a fox hunt, local amateur radio clubs search for a transmitter (called the fox) using their homemade antennas. “The fox hunting is really fun -- the thrill of the chase, the competition of being the first to find the transmitter,” said Rob Mavis, president of the Clovis Amateur Radio Pioneers club in Clovis, Calif. Ham radio is inexpensive fun, as well: All you need is a couple hundred bucks to get started and a FCC license -- which is free, but requires a $10 to $12 fee to cover expenses. So join the latest craze -- no iPhone app required. from Fox News via Greg KJ4RVD

Starke Hamfest November 19, 2011

tel:352-473-1490

tel:352-359-6203


http://www.arrl.org/


of 44

Here is a picture of some Club members who came along for the day. I found the show somewhat disappointing, but then it wasn't too far from home. There were not too many tables, which were selling vintage radios and VHF handhelds, but no tailgaters.

Technician License Program for 2012

As always, the class will commence on the second Monday of January, 2012, and continue for approximately 14 weeks. It's only one night/week, 6-9 PM @ the American Red Cross Chapter, located at 751 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville. The class is free, however the students will have to purchase their book. The cost will be discounted 25% plus there will be no shipping charges. Students should bring $25.00 in cash (small bills) to pay for their book. I will order the books the very next day so students should be sure to bring their monies. Please pass this info to anyone who may be interested. When signing up, the student MUST include their name, and a contact number, no exceptions. Each person should sign up individually unless in the same family, however I still need all the names and a number. I would not recommend anyone less than ten years of age to sign up. All interested persons are requested to email John Reynolds, W4IJJ, [email protected]



of 44

The Second Tailgate and Swapfest which recently took place was judged to be a great success by all concerned. Some nine or ten vendors were present and a lot of people came and went during the day. I cannot report on the overnight stay, but the breakfast on Saturday morning was great! (Comment from Ian W3UZI)


of 44

OPARC Tailgate Swapfest on October 1st, 2011

The OPARC Tailgate Swapfest will be held on the 1st October at the JDFA field, 6932 Morse Avenue, Jacksonville Fl. 32244. The field will be open for overnight campers to set up on Friday 30th September at 4 p.m. We have the use of the field fro 24 hours,so the grounds must be cleaned up and everyone gone by 4 p.m. Saturday 1st October. A breakfast of bacon and eggs and pancakes will be available for a nominal fee Saturday morning. Campers must be self contained. Please note that NO Water or electric or sewage dumping is permitted. One Portalet is provided. If you play a musical instrument please bring it. We can have a Friday night music fest and story telling around the camp fire. Please RSVP to [email protected] or call 272 0726. This will give us an idea of how much food to bring. Let us know if you'll stay for lunch and we will cook up some hamburgers and hot dogs. Pass the word! We are going to have a good time! From Larry Filzen WB4CGD

Next Meeting on August 18th is the Bi-annual Auction! Bring all your unwanted parts, spares, tools, boxes of junk, unfinished projects and anything else you need to get rid of.

Field Day 2011

Jonathan shows the callsign list. Jonathan's Dad is Frank WA4EWL.

How W3AO does Field Day! Jake K5WTA has kindly sent me this link showing how W3AO does FD.

QRZ indicates that W3AO belongs to the National Press Radio Club which was formed in the National Press

Building in Washington, D.C. to bring together hams in the news business, including reporters, engineers and

cameramen, to get to know each other and perhaps operate from interesting "news venues." They really "go to town" at FD!

Field Day 2011

You may want to look up the attached link and view the Clay Today article. Or stop by you local news stand for a hard copy. There is a lead to the story on page 1 and two full pages starting on page 6. Thank you to Mark N4QLC for this.


http://www.n3aln.com/W3AOFD2011.htm


of 44

http://jcpgroup.com/ebooks/ClayToday/current/flash.html#/0/

Field Day 2011

Field Day 2011 begins on Saturday June 25th and ends on Sunday June 26, at the Lakeside Elementary School on Moody Road. See you there!

D-Star Academy in Mt. Dora, FL

The Secretary of the Central Florida D-Star Group,Ted K1AYZ, writes that there will be a D-Star Academy on July 30, 2011 at Lake Receptions in Mt. Dora for D-Star beginners, advanced users and Emergency Management Personnel.Presenters will be Robin Cutshaw,AA4RC Dongle inventor, Ray Novak,Icom D-Star Guru, Georgia D-Star Group and Paul Eakin KJ4G NFL. Section Mgr. Full details and reservations are on the Central Florida D-Star Group web site: www.cfldsg.org.

USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 14-5 Radio Network Exercise

On May 21st and 22nd from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., using the 146.925 repeater with backup on 146.670, the above will be conducting a radio network exercise. This coincides with National Safe Boating Week. Net controller is Tom Sorensen KB9GRX at the Aux Flotilla building on SR 16 (behind the WW Museum). Stations will be located at Knights Marina, Lake Shore - Doctors Lake, and Governor's Creek. All OPARC members are invited to participate.

Clay County River Cleanup on March 19th, 2011

Greg KJ4RVD writes: "The Clay County River Cleanup was a great success. Volunteers came from all age groups as it was truly a family event. A special thanks to all OPARC volunteers for helping make the occasion a smooth operation and Carol Pangborn for “teaching me the ropes”. I loved it!" Click on a picture for a caption or double click to enlarge.

http://jcpgroup.com/ebooks/ClayToday/current/flash.html#/0/

http://www.cfldsg.org/



of 44





of 44

First Annual Tailgate Party announced by New River District ARES & ARC-BA, Starke

When: April 9th & 10th 2011. Where: Elaine's Bargain Barn, 21665 Nth Temple Ave, Starke. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday & Sunday. Food, Fun & Foxhunt! Further information from Joelle Clarke (352) 505-1242 or email [email protected]

From "Clay Today"

Two long-time friends of the St. Johns River will be remembered during a clean-up day that has drawn thousands of volunteers who have removed tons of debris from Clay County roads and waterways. T-shirts bearing the names of Carolyn Lavender and Roger Pangborn will be distributed during the 16th annual St. Johns River Celebration scheduled for Saturday, March 19, according to organizer Tania Jolley of the county Department of Environmental Services. See the whole article here: http://www.claytodayonline.com/content/3120_1.php

For your diary

The 2011 St John's River Celebration/Cleanup will be held on March 19th. Volunteers will be needed to provide communication from the three Cleanup Sites to the organizers. The three sites this year are:

Knights Boar Ramp (US Highway 17 at the Black Creek Bridge)

Lakeshore Boat Ramp

Main Street Boat Ramp, Middleburg Please contact Greg KJ4RVD(email: [email protected]) if you are able to help.

http://www.claytodayonline.com/content/3120_1.php


of 44

Marine Corps Appreciation Certificates

Christmas Party Toys for Tots 2009 and 2010 (Click on a picture to enlarge)

Annual Christmas Party 2010 (click on a picture to enlarge)




of 44





of 44

Picture of the Year? - W9EVT's Hamshack! (Thanks Jake K5WTA)





of 44


of 44

Clay ARES Packet Training November 20, 2010

Photos courtesy of Joe Bassett, W1WCN (click on a thumbnail to view)





of 44






of 44

Request from the Secretary

Adrian KJ4BOT is requesting members to send him any change of addresses, whether email or snail mail. Thanks!

Missing Equipment and Books

Club member KJ4OEN James lent in good faith the following to a Club member some time ago who has not returned them to him: + Equivalent Series Resistance Meter ($200 value) This meter has an LED graph and is used by NASA and other Corporations. + ARRL Antenna Handbook + International Microwave Handbook Anyone with the articles or who has knowledge of their whereabouts please contact Club Secretary Adrian [email protected] or James KJ4OEN [email protected]

OPARC Free Tailgate Ham Swap Meet October 1st - October 2nd, 2010

This event will run for 24 hours from 4 p.m. Friday to 4 p.m. Saturday, at the Jacksonville Dog Fanciers Association (JDFA), 6932 Morse Ave, Jacksonville, FL. 32244. This is a quarter mile East of I-295. Note there is no exit from I-295 and must be reached from Blanding Blvd or Firestone Rd on the West end of Morse Ave. The location is on the south side of Morse Ave between Ridgeview Ave. and Skyler Jean Drive, about ¼ mile east of the I295 overpass. There will be breakfast for all with a minimum donation to raise monies for the club and to cover the cost of the location rental and breakfast food. The Menu is: pancakes, bacon, eggs, toast, grits, and lots of coffee, from approx 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. or until the food runs out. There is no charge for tables, bring your own, or out of your tailgate / trunk. RV's are invited to stay overnight, but please note they must be self contained. (No sewage dump, no water, no electricity). Please be careful to drive on the roadway only. DO NOT drive across the grassed area in front of the pavilions. The grounds are very muddy if it rains. Traction is poor so the Tailgate will be canceled if it rains within 24 hours of opening time. Other area Clubs please advertise!

A letter from Andrea Hartlage, KG4IUM, a candidate for ARRL Southeastern Division Vice-Director, received September 9, 2010. Please go to this page to read this letter.

Radio Astronomy Training - October 2-3, 2010

http://oparc.weebly.com/


of 44

The Society of Amateur Radio Astronomers is holding a class on radio astronomy at the CSPG Observing Field the weekend of October 2-3, 2010. It is at Chiefland, Florida, located almost due west of Gainesville about 20 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. Here is a link with full details: http://chieflandstarpartygroup.com/events.html.

Dick K2LJZ's Summer Ham Shack in Maine

With Computer, Satellite TV, Icom 756, Icom 2100 2m, Ameritron AL-811.

Field Day 2010 - Pictures from Chris KB0VB

http://chieflandstarpartygroup.com/events.html



of 44





of 44

Club Shirts

The Club is offering polo shirts at cost. They are to the same standard as before, white with a pocket, with an embroidered Club logo together with your name and callsign. 22 have been issued as at April 15th. For S, M, L, XL sizes the cost is $17.12 each, including tax. For XXL add an additional $2.50. If you are interested, please email Ian at w3uzi <at> arrl.net to place an order, stating name, callsign, size, and number required.

St.John's River Cleanup, Saturday March 20th 2010 At Governor's Creek, Green Cove Springs

Click on the pictures to make full size.




of 44

Orlando Hamcation 2010

Some of us went down to Orlando on the Friday, which turned out to be so wet it was just totally dreadful! The morning was not too bad, but by early afternoon the rain came down in torrents and the wind got up. Running between the buildings was no fun at all.......... Saturday was a much better day, Icom. AES and other vendors were there, though we thought some of the older radios






of 44

were somewhat overpriced.

Don Fraser K2DF reports a very successful testing session held on January 6th, 2010. Six candidates sat for the exams, by the end of which we wound up with two new technicians, two new generals, and two new extra class licensees. A total of 11 exam elements were administered - 5 element 2's, 3 element 3's, and 3 element 4's. That kept two grading groups busy. Thanks and congratulations to all concerned! Volunteer Examiners were: Don Fraser, K2DF Joe Warnock, AF4WG David Elmore, N4OOE Michael Herman, KE4KIZ Tom Bott Sr., AC4TB Nicholas Raffaelly, KA1NX Jake Jacobs, K5WTA Chris Jacobs, WB5TWK Pete Lynch, N6PRS

Christmas Dinner

Approximately fifty members and their families (including one baby) had a great time at the Golden Corral on Blanding Blvd. on the evening of Thursday December 17th.

During the festive meal President Jim MacKinnon KB2EZN presented Vice President: Frank Cates WA4EWL with the

2009 Amateur of the Year Award, an inscribed Certificate and a Plaque for hanging on the wall. This occasion was greeted with much acclamation and appreciation.

Pete Lynch N6PRS who each year organizes the Toys for Tots appeal announced that five bags of toys had been

collected this year, matching the amount collected last year.

Some pictures -- click on the first to enlarge and see caption, and then scroll through..........



of 44





of 44

A week or so ago I wrote: "While reading the Byelaws , I notice that the ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION of the Orange Park Amateur Radio Club Inc. were recorded in the Office of the Secretary of the State of Florida, on March 20, 1990. I therefore propose that some sort of festivity to mark the occasion should take place in March 2010. Please let me have your suggestions!" This generated quite a lot of interest, here are the answers I got: "I remember when we incorporated to provide legal protection for the members and for tax purposes. OPARC is older than 20 years. Contact Larry Filzen, WB4CGD who was a founding member to get the correct date, ie prior to 1986." "A Picnic and set up some radios.A cruise around the world" "I was delighted to see the very nice job you have done on the OPARC Website. Thanks for all and BCNU." "OPARC was recognized by ARRL as affiliated club in 1975. In 1973, Ted Jahn, K4YLX and myself, WB4CGD. We went to hamfests and city surplus auctions and bought repeater equipment and put it on the air. We hooked up an autopatch and charged local users$ 25.00 per year to pay for expences. We were one of the first cllubs to offer an autopatch. We wanted to keep costs down so we became a club with a bigger membership and started giving Ham Radio classes. In 1975, with at least 51% ARRL members ,we were recognized as an ARRL affiliate club. In 1982,OPARC bought the repeaters from Ted and I and Jim IORI ,NU4Y has carried the burden of repeater maintainence to this day We all owe Jim Iori a debt of grattitude. May he live long and prosper!"




of 44

"We can still celebrate the 20th year of Our Club Incorporation!!! Hey, we need some reason for a Ham Club Activity!!!! Let's bring it up at the Breakfast meeting on Saturday and see what response from that group."

Entry-Level Technician Class Amateur Radio License Class

Northeast Florida Chapter American Red Cross, 751 Riverside Ave., PO Box 40809, Jacksonville, FL 32203-0809 (904) 358-8091 FX (904) 791-9236

Again for the year 2010, the North Florida Regional Chapter of American Red Cross is poised to present a class

for Technician Class Amateur Radio. The class is currently scheduled to commence on 11 January @ 1800

hours(6PM).

The class will run weekly on Monday nights for 12-13 weeks. There is no cost for this class however there is a

cost for your book. Normally, the cost of the book is $24.95 but because the instructor is credentialed with the

American Radio Relay League, the books are available through him at a 25% discount or $18.71.

If you wish to enroll for this class, you must contact the instructor, John Reynolds, no later than 23 December.

Contact information is listed below. There is a minimum number of students required to hold the class so if you

are interested, please contact the instructor ASAP. This has been a successful program, producing in excess of

100 Ham Radio Operators!

You must bring payment for the book to the first class as books will be ordered the next day to insure delivery

for the next meeting. Please bring the exact amount of $18.71

We think you will find the class to be interesting, interactive, and most informative. We’re looking forward to

hearing from you!

Contact Information:

John Reynolds, W4IJJ 904-778-4506

Darwin Award -- Confirmed True

October 2009, Florida A Palm Bay couple and their 15-year-old son were putting up a ham radio antenna one evening. Bafflingly, not one of them thought to survey their surroundings. Unaware of the presence of an unseen menace overhead, the trio raised the aerial pole in the dark, struck a power line, and Zap! Three Darwin Award winners. "It is an unfortunate set of circumstances that led to the most tragic result," said the Palm Bay Fire Marshal. "It happened in an instant." However, it can hardly be called an accident. All three were voluntary particpants and old enough to know better. Readers beware, power lines lurk overhead waiting for the unwary. Our thanks to 55-year-old Melville, 49-year-old Anna and 15-year-old Anthony for reminding us not to stick a pole in the power grid. Just say no to premature cremation.


of 44

An Eventful Evening

About 6:15pm on Tuesday evening, July 28th, a violent summer storm was approaching the southern Mandarin

and Fruit Cove areas. It made itself know by hard rain, wind and almost constant thunder and lightning. The

lightning flashes and the resulting thunder quickly became brighter and louder until the flash and noise seemed

to be coming at the same time. All at once there was a blinding flash, a huge booming noise, louder than any

other. I was watching the display from inside our sliding doors that look out over the pool. All at once a flaming

ball of metal fell on the pool deck. I yelled something like “My antenna!” I thought that a lightning bolt had hit

my Mosely TA-33 antenna up on its 35 foot tower; the one I had so laboriously put up almost two years ago.

Basically the thing is a big lightning rod so now having a pool of molten aluminum was a reasonable

assumption. The flashes and noise continued after the falling metal and I resisted the temptation to go outside

and look at the antenna, although every cell in my being wanted to do just that. The lightning bolts were still

around but starting to move away.

When the electrical violence moved on and the sheets of rain had let up I opened the sliding door and looked up,

expecting to see the worse. The antenna was still there, apparently untouched. Relief! About this time I heard a

strange noise that was something like a cross between a hiss and a roar. It seemed to be coming from the garage

so I raced through the kitchen and opened the door to the garage. A sharp smell was in the air and a smoky haze

seemed to be rapidly becoming thicker. As it turned out the air conditioning system’s high pressure refrigerant

gas line now had a hole burned in it. I quickly shut off the air conditioning system and opened the garage door.

Suzanne (the XYL) noticed that the overhead kitchen light was now off but the switch was still in the on

position. The kitchen light was the first of many things that we found had been damaged. Both our TV’s were

never to have a picture on their now dark displays again. My main computer and a good part of my amateur

gear was damaged. Suzanne’s laptop and an old Dell Optiplex 150 with were unscathed. The phone lines were

just about as dead as dead can get. Since we have DSL with AT&T, and they use the phone lines as the means

of data transfer, there would be no e-mails for awhile. A cell phone had to be used to call AT&T, our insurance

agent, the air conditioning repairman, and other family and friends to let them know why we could not be

reached. Talking with AT&T was interesting. The call went on for fifteen minutes and consisted of an

automated voice asking information before informing us that the phone service could not be restored before

Friday, July 31st.

You might be wondering what the metal was that I saw come tumbling down. As it turned out, the lightning bolt

had hit a seventy-foot pine in the back yard. The branches at the top of the tree show the start of the heat

generated. The charge of electricity came down the trunk, peeling off bark as it went. About half way down the

tree one end of a G5RV wire antenna was attached. Part of the lightning bolt continued down the tree and part

continued on a new journey toward the center of the antenna, evaporating copper and steel wire as it went.

When the surge of electricity got to the 450 ohm twin-lead it followed that path, turning it into a flaming,

molten mess. This is what I saw drop. When it reached the BALUN most of it leaped to ground but some of it

started on the on a trip to the house. The coax lead-in was about 75 feet long and was grounded inside the shack

but there still was lots of voltage left! There was no fire. The garage, where the air conditioning system was

damaged, is about thirty feet from the base of the tree and is nowhere near the antenna. There were two holes in

the ground at the base of the tree. Apparently, the current was able to pass through the ground and cause a

difference of potential that was sufficient to cause an arc between the air conditioning line and a nearby

electrical conduit. That arc burned a hole in the refrigerant line. The TV’s that were damaged were nowhere

near the amateur gear or anything else. I suspect that some sort of a pulse came in on the cable lead-in they were

attached to. The neighbors on both sides of us had some damage, but not as much as the Davis’.

I’m writing this on Sunday, August 2nd, using my old Dell Optiplex 150. The thing is of 2000 vintage, in other

words ancient, but it wasn’t damaged and still works. The phone man came on Friday, as was promised. He


of 44

traced the phone line back to the box on the street and found the connectors for our line had been blown

completely off. “You don’t see that very often.” he commented.

The air conditioning system was repaired the day after the strike. This was good, since living without air

conditioning is not fun in July and August in Florida. Other things are moving more slowly. There will be some

serious shopping going on next week.

One thing the XYL and I are grateful for is that no one was hurt. If anyone had been in the back yard that

evening they probably would have been killed. When lightning comes it’s best to get inside and stay away from

antennas and transmission lines.

One last thought – maybe model railroading needs another look as a possible hobby.

Christian Davis, KB0VB

Results of Field Day 2009

Despite poor conditions OPARC had a higher score for field day in 2009 than 2008 Operators were: KD4BVV,WB4CGD,KW4T,KG4ZXY, W9AAZ,N6EIV,W3UZI,WA4EWL,K2RMA,KI4DJK,K4EJJ,WA4UJK, WB5TWK,KC4MHR,KE4YQR,KJ4GBE,KB7MSC,KF4OOK,KD4SVZ,KB2EZN,K5WTA,KB0VB,KJ4BOT, KH6OU,W1JCS,KA2USK,KF4LJA,W4ESP,KJ4FEQ,WW4US,KF4CCW,KE4BHU,NU4Y,AJ4BA,W4NEK, KE4TGH,KA4REY,KG4IAL Attached is a summary of operations: 2009 2008 Band contacts cw phone cw phone 80 m 17 40 m 211 19 65 20 m 194 40 201 177 15 m 206 71 101 86 10 m 1 17 115 42 6 m 85 total 629 147 482 390 score 2,810 2,708 Jim NU4Y

Field Day 2009 Pictures


of 44


of 44

Dayton HamVention 2009 - By Jim, KH6OU

I spent two days in Dayton at the HamVention and thoroughly enjoyed every moment. I left on Tuesday, May 12. The next day, Wednesday, while transiting Cincinnati, Ohio I heard KP8S(?) on 2 meters. We had a nice, short chat about the rush hour traffic, heavy rain, etc., and then he handed his microphone to Kristyn, his nine year-old daughter, who is KP8P (Extra Class licensee!) and we chatted about her amateur radio interests: DXing, WAS and public service...what a gal! The next day, Wednesday, while transiting Cincinnati, Ohio I heard NX3P on 2 meters. We had a nice, short chat about the rush hour traffic, heavy rain, etc., and then he handed his microphone to Kaitlyn, his nine year-old daughter, who is KS3P (Extra Class licensee!) and we chatted about her amateur radio interests: DXing, WAS and public service...what a gal! I arrived Wednesday afternoon and stayed at Wright-Patterson AFB. Thursday morning I slept late then made a dry run to Hara Arena where the HamVention is held and to the free parking area where I would park. After that I visited the USAF Museum and Huffman Prairie, the world's first airport and home of the world's first flying school. Orville and Wilbur Wright taught flying there around 1906... The next day, Friday, I drove to the free parking lot provided for the HamVention. From there I rode the charter bus the 2 miles to Hara Arena. Hams from all over the globe attend this grand get-together in Dayton. On the bus I heard three Danes and a Russian talking. An American ham "broke-in" and mentioned to the Russian that he remembered him from last year. Considering this the Russian told him that he wasn't in Dayton last year but that he, the Russian, remembered the American from three years ago! They all had a great laugh and everyone was having a grand time...and we were not yet at the HamVention venue! Prior to departing Jacksonville I downloaded a map of the Hara Arena interior and the location of the tables where vendors were assigned. I highlighted the locations of specific vendors so that I could drop by their locations as soon as I arrived on Friday and that's what I did. Most of the day was spent doing this but after visiting the last vendor, I meandered through the various halls looking, chatting and picking up dealer's catalogues, fliers, business cards, etc. At 6:00 PM, when the doors are locked, I was at the ARRL venue purchasing a couple of manuals. I was so tired that I was actually glad to hear the announcement that the doors were about to be locked! When I arrived at my room I realized that I had left a 200' roll of wire at the ARRL venue. I slept a little late the next day, Saturday. When I arrived at the ARRL location they had my roll of wire waiting for me...what a relief! There are lots of restaurants in the Dayton area. Probably motels too but for my last three visits to Dayton I've stayed at the AFB or just outside the base.Owen Garriott, W5LFL is a retired NASA astronaut who spent 60 days in space aboard Sky Lab in 1973, setting a world record for time in space. In 1983 he spent 10 days in space aboard Spacelab 1 (STS-9). Below are sites for Owen and Richard's info. Richard Garriott, W5KWQ is one of those folks who just happened to have 20 million extra dollars, so last Summer (2008) he went into space from Russia (for a fee). Both Owen and his son Richard were at the HamVention this year. I saw Owen and recognized him from a QST article and photo many years ago. Not realizing that I was about to interrupt a photo signing session, I walked right up to Owen and said something like, "Owen! What a pleasure to see you again!" Owen looked at me as though he knew me too, extended his hand and greeted me with a nice firm handshake saying, "Its good to see you again too!". We chatted for a minute or two before we had our photo taken. Actually, most of the hams standing in line for a signed photo were interested in Richard and probably never heard of Owen, the REAL ASTRONAUT! I believe that Owen was happy that someone recognized him! http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/garriott-ok.html http://www.richardinspace.com

http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/garriott-ok.html

http://www.richardinspace.com/


of 44

Jim with Owen W5LFL and Richard W5KWQ Garriott

A long day on the river - By Ian, W3UZI This started when Rudy KC4WWS, a member of the Rudder Club, asked for people to provide comms for the Mug Race on the St John's River (the world's longest river race for sailboats), run and organized by the Rudder Club. Some time later Rudy called me to see if I was interested, so naturally I said yes. In the event, Rudy and I were the only members willing to help, so it was that at 6.45 a.m. on a fine May morning (Saturday the 2nd) I met Ed and his pontoon boat at the Black Creek marina. After putting his boat in the water we set course south, making for the Shands Bridge. We first laid a large blow-up orange marker buoy north of the bridge and then another one south and west of the center of the bridge, taking our station for the rest of the day by anchoring the other side of the center span, thus making a gate that all the boats had to pass through. Rudy meanwhile took up his position at the Rudder Club and soon called me. We passed many messages using the 146.925 repeater. The northbound fleet of boatsstarted from Palatka at 7.30 a.m., the first boats appeared at about 10.30 and thereafter we were kept quite busy. I was amazed by the great variety of sailboats of all shapes and sizes, old and new, racy ones and old gaffers, dinghies, cruisers, catamarans and trimarans. Most, if they had time, gave us a cheery wave in passing. I timed over 160 vessels as they passed our station, giving the time to Ed who recorded them. It was a long but enjoyable day. After we made sure that the last boat was safely accounted for we upanchored and returned to the marina in the dark. As a reward I have now got a Rudder Club T-shirt which I shall proudly wear.

From: Judy Moore Sent: Wednesday, April 29, 2009 8:00 PM Subject: John's health Dear Friends, Once again I hate to come to you in this way but I don't have time to send out individual e-mails and figure you all would want to know about John. He has been getting increasingly weaker and had a bad week last week due to all the pollen and humidity in the area. Still, it was a surprise when the Hospice nurse came on Monday and after checking him told us she figures he has about 3 weeks left. I called our boys and they both made arrangements to come this weekend - Matt was to arrive Thursday evening after umpiring a college game in IA today and John was coming down Friday night after his wife got off work teaching school.



of 44

But then the nurse came again today and when she checked John his toes and feet have started turning purple and that is a sign his circulation is shutting down. So I asked her directly if the boys should come sooner and she said she might be being too careful but she did think so. So I talked to both of them again - Matt had started for Iowa but called and said he would not be at his game and headed on down this way. He will now get here sometime around noon tomorrow. I made him promise he would not drive all night as I don't want to have to worry about him too. John was going to talk to his wife and see if she can arrange to miss school tomorrow and Friday and if so they will start out early tomorrow morning and get here around noon also. We all have a hard time ahead of us and we would appreciate your prayers. I will write again when I have time and can do it. Even if the nurse is wrong now we know it won't be long as John's body is just worn out from all he has been through in the last 29 years. We are all very grateful to have had that time with him though and we know he will be in a better place. Thank you for your love and concern. Judy

OPARC Minutes of Meeting – April 16, 2009

President Jim MacKinnon KB2EZN convened the Orange Park Amateur Radio Club meeting at 7:30 PM, on Thursday, April 16th, 2009. The meeting was held in classrooms numbers five and six of Orange Park Medical Center located on Kingsley Avenue. All members and guests were welcomed and then introduced themselves. The minutes of the March 19th, 2009 meeting were presented and accepted as written without amendment. The Treasurer’s Report from Rudy Hellmold KC4WWS was made. Rudy reported that the checking account has $193.87 in it, and the savings account $4,262.43. There is $144.00 in petty cash. The total balance is $4600.30. The Treasurer’s Report was accepted by the Membership. The meeting proceeded to standing committee reports: ARES: Vern Ferris (W4NEK) reported that Putnum and St.Johns counties provided support for Clay ARES. Also, ARES provided two instructors for the event. RAM WATCH: No report was given. REPEATERS: Larry Filzen WB4CGD said that the two-meter repeater is having intermittent noise problems. Some discussion about the malfunction followed. There seemed to be consensus that the noise is related to wind speed, and that the antenna and/or coax at the installation may be in need of replacement. VOLUNTEER EXAMINEERS (VE’s): No report was given. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Adrian Gray KJ4BOT mentioned that May 9th, 2009, is the date of the annual MARS (Military Affiliate Radio System) cross band radio test. MARS stations will talk with amateur radio stations using the cross band feature. More information can be found on page 86 of the May, 2009 issue of QST. Also, Adrian will provide more data at a later date. Rudy Hellmold said that the 2009 Mug Race will be held on Saturday, May 2nd. Five amateur radio operators are needed to help with communications for the race. Contact Rudy at 269-7960 or via e-mail at [email protected] if you are ready and willing to participate in this activity. Bob Ivey KE4YQR announced that a local ham, Frank Ingle KG4CQK, has had an article published in the May, 2009 issue of QST Magazine. The article is titled “Build a Docking Station for Your Handheld”, and may be found on page 45. NEW BUSINESS: Field Day is fast approaching. OPARC Vice-President Frank Cates WA4EWL has agreed to be Field



of 44

Day Chairman. Berte Anlage has agreed to be in charge of food and refreshments. Thank you, Berte. The club trailers are at two separate locations, and will have to be retrieved and brought to the Field Day site. The usual problems of obtaining computers and radios will have to be solved. OLD BUSINESS: None. Break was called at 8:00PM. The Pot-O’-Gold was won by Adrian Gray KJ4BOT. The meeting re-conveined at 8:18 PM. Frank Cates WA4EWL made a presentation about antenna analyzers, several different types of volt-ohm meters, clamp-on ammeters, and the trusty ole’ Bird model 43 wattmeter. Frank has lots of stuff in his shack. Dick Bennett K2LJZ gave a presentation about the new digital TV channels, and problems associated with them. The digital signals pose new reception problems. The meeting was declared adjourned at 8:50 PM. Respectfully submitted, Christian Davis KB0VB OPARC Secretary

OPARC Board Meeting March 19, 2009

Topic of Discussion: Club Web Site: www.OPARC.net Board Members Present: Jim MacKinnon KB2EZN, Frank Cates WA4EWL, Jake Jacobs K5WTA, Rudi Hellmold KC4WWS, Chris Davis KB0VB, Ian Wollen W3UZI, Robert Farrar K4EJJ and Vern Ferris N4NEK. It was decided by the board members present that for the time being both the old web site and new web site would be supported by the club. Questions about the OPARC name and who owns it have not yet been ascertained. It was decided that President Jim MacKinnon would research the problem and come down with a course of action. Jim is familiar with web sites and the problems concerning them. Christian Davis KB0VB OPARC Secretary

Doug, VK7DK writes: "I am still very busy with my 4-400A Amp project. Just about at the final assembly stage and that will be followed with about a month of testing into the Spectrum Analyser etc. I an expecting some very good results as I have been most cautious concerning inter mod distortion etc. The Spectrum Analyser will show me how successful I have been. All well here. I finished with the cataract surgery on both eyes and my new glasses are in the pipe line. Nothing wrong with me now Ian and 2009 has been confirmed as the year of good health. I am on 14.325 MHz at 0400Z each day talking to my mate in Oregon Tom K7ZZ."

Minutes of March 19th Meeting President Jim MacKinnon KB2EZN convened the Orange Park Amateur Radio Club meeting at 7:31 PM, on Thursday, March 19th, 2009. The meeting was held in classrooms numbers five and six of Orange Park Medical Center located on Kingsley Avenue. All members and guests were welcomed and then introduced themselves.


of 44

Jim MacKinnon personally welcomed visitor Arved Grass KF4UCQ. The minutes of the February 19th, 2009 meeting were presented and accepted as written without amendment. The Treasurer’s Report from Rudy Hellmold KC4WWS stated that the checking account has $253.87 in it, and the savings account $4262.43. There is $62.00 in cash-on-hand. The total balance is $4578.30. The Treasurer’s Report was accepted by the Membership. The meeting proceeded to standing committee reports. ARES: Vern Ferris W4NEK said that next weekend, March 28 & 29th, will have the State C.E.R.T Academy. Clay County ARES is tasked with communications and providing instructors for ham radio. REPEATERS: Jim MacKinnon KB2EZN said that the 440 machine’s echo link is working well and more hams should try using it. RAM WATCH: No report was given. VOLUNTEER EXAMINEERS (VE’s): David Elmore N4OOE reported that there would be a testing session at Orange Park High School this coming Saturday, March 21st, 2009. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Chris Jacobs WB5TWK said that the St. Johns River Clean Up is moving ahead and that just enough hams have come forward to fill the needed positions. Contact Chris if you would like to participate. Canned goods and books are still accepted for the charity part of the activity. Bring these items if you have some you wish to donate. OLD BUSINESS: None. NEW BUSINESS: None. Break was called at 07:45 PM. The Pot-O’-Gold was won by OPARC Vice President Frank Cates WA4EWL. The meeting re-convened at 8:02PM. Ian Wollen W3UZI provided the evening’s educational program. Ian projected pictures on a screen of an exceptional ham station he visited in Tasmania. The station belongs to Doug VK7DK, who lives on that far away island. Everyone in attendance enjoyed Ian’s presentation. After Ian finished, Henry KG4ZXY showed a mini-beam antenna he built from scratch. The antenna is a KJ5VW design. Henry said it took him about three days to build the antenna. The meeting adjourned at 8:29 PM. Respectfully submitted, Christian Davis, KB0VB OPARC Secretary


of 44

Pictures from Saturday's St. John's River Cleanup

Here are some pictures taken at the March 2009 River Cleanup. Barb signs in volunteers and I do Ham Radio Communication to our central coordinator plus help with signup and trash dumping into our dumpster. Lots of fun AND we all participants get a ticket for a free lunch, T Shirt, Canvas Bag, Pen, Gum, Chick-filet burger and discount coups. All these at a County Park. This year the organizer volunteers will also get a chance at drawing for prizes. It was cold this year at 65 degrees so no pictures of boaters in their swimsuits Rich K2LJZ and Barb KI4DJL


of 44


of 44

From Roger WA4UKJ and Carol KD4DIN

The clean up was a great success. Over 700 volunteers. Our Ham Operators where out standing. We were able to communicate with hand held using 146.925 with PL 156.7. A special thanks goes out to Keith KA2USK, Dudley N4DPD, Rudi KC4WWS, at Governors Creek. Chris WB5TWK, Barbara DI4KJL, and Jake K5WTA at Lake Shore. Richard K2LJZ and Jim WB2EZN at Main Street Boat Ramp in Middleburg. Ben N6EIV and Bill KB7MSC did an out standing job as net control. After the sites closed down we all meet at Camp Chow for lunch and free T-Shirts Thanks again to all for making our Club look good to the officials of Clay County

news and happening 2009-2012 - orange park amateur radio club

Documents